Former Glasgow gangster Paul Ferris has announced plans to produce a third film about his life, with the intention of using the earnings to resolve a significant outstanding tax debt. The announcement follows news that a sequel to the BAFTA-winning film The Wee Man is set to begin filming soon.
The original film, The Wee Man, depicted Ferris’s upbringing in Glasgow’s Blackhill area during the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on his role as an enforcer for notorious crime boss Arthur Thompson Sr. The upcoming sequel, titled Ferris, will explore the period from 1992 to 2002, covering his relocation to southern England, subsequent arrest in London on gun running charges, and imprisonment at the Old Bailey.
The planned third installment, Going Straight, will document Ferris’s life following his release from prison up to the present day. According to Ferris, this film will focus on his efforts to leave his criminal past behind, establish legitimate business ventures, and navigate ongoing challenges with authorities who, he claims, have continued to obstruct his attempts at reform.
In an exclusive interview, Ferris, now 62, revealed that talks have begun with potential investors for Going Straight. He hopes to commence filming Ferris next month with a release scheduled for early next year. He also confirmed that any profits generated by the films will be directed toward settling his outstanding tax liabilities with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which he described as a “five-figure sum.” Ferris stated, “The revenue that I am generating from the films will pay off HMRC commitments. I am late with payments.”
Ferris described facing significant institutional resistance after leaving prison, characterizing these as “disruption tactics.” He recounted instances where Royal Bank of Scotland closed his business account, and his applications for accounts at the Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, and others were rejected, attributing these refusals to what he called “spurious intelligence.” Despite these challenges, Ferris insisted he complied with tax obligations and sought to maintain legitimacy in business.
Between 2002 and 2015, Ferris paid over £7 million in corporation tax related to his security and construction companies. Since his release, he has authored five books, including a novel, and is preparing to launch a podcast titled The Here and Now.
The Wee Man featured Martin Compston, known for his role in Line of Duty, as the younger Ferris, while the sequel will see Paul Brannigan, of Angels Share and River City fame, portray an older version of the former gangster. Casting decisions for Going Straight have yet to be announced.
Reflecting on the film projects, Ferris said, “At the end of the films, the question will be, ‘Was it all worth it?’ I am not doing any of this to be the big gangster – I am doing it to tell my life story. It’s about how somebody living that life.”